DHA Nursing Exam 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus and Preparation Guide

Are you a nurse in India planning to work in Dubai? You may have heard about the DHA nursing exam and wondered how to apply, what to study and how to prepare.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates healthcare professionals working in facilities under its jurisdiction in Dubai. Depending on your qualifications and licensing route, you may need to complete a professional assessment before obtaining registration.

This guide explains the DHA nursing exam in simple language, including eligibility, exam preparation, fees and the steps to follow before applying.

1. What is the DHA nursing exam?

The DHA nursing exam is a professional assessment used as part of the licensing process for certain nursing positions in Dubai.

The exam is intended to assess whether a candidate has the knowledge and skills expected for the relevant professional role.

Depending on your application, the assessment may be a computer-based test (CBT) conducted through Prometric or another assessment specified by DHA.

Passing the assessment is an important step when it is required, but it does not automatically give you permission to practise. You must complete the remaining licensing requirements.

2. Who can apply for the DHA nursing exam?

You should first check whether you meet the professional qualification requirements for the nursing title you want to apply for.

Your eligibility may depend on:

• Your nursing qualification, such as BSc Nursing or GNM.
• Your professional registration or licence, where required.
• Your clinical experience, where applicable.
• Your professional title and intended scope of practice.
• Any relevant assessment exemption criteria.

Requirements can differ between Registered Nurses, Assistant Nurses and other nursing categories. Do not assume that eligibility for one title automatically means eligibility for another.

Start with the Unified Healthcare Professionals Qualification Requirements (PQR), which provides the framework used by UAE health authorities to assess professional qualifications and licensing criteria.

What if you are a fresh nursing graduate?

Fresh graduates should check the latest requirements carefully. In April 2026, MOHAP announced the removal of the six-month post-graduation experience requirement for specified nursing and allied health roles. However, this announcement does not automatically establish eligibility for every DHA licensing route.

Read the official MOHAP announcement and confirm your individual eligibility through DHA.

3. What is the DHA nursing exam format?

The format depends on the nursing title and the assessment required for your application.

For applicable computer-based tests, DHA directs candidates to its official assessment guidance for details such as:

• Exam duration.
• Number of questions.
• Passing score.
• Exam content and reference materials.
• Assessment fees and booking instructions.

These details should be checked for your specific nursing category. Do not rely on a generic exam pattern shared for a different healthcare profession or nursing title.

DHA conducts applicable computer-based assessments through Prometric. Start with the official DHA FAQs and the exam guidance linked from the licensing portal.

4. What subjects should you study?

Your preparation should match the nursing category and the official exam guidance applicable to your application.

As a starting point, nurses can revise core nursing subjects such as:

Fundamentals of nursing

Review basic nursing procedures, patient assessment, vital signs, documentation, patient hygiene and safe care practices.

Medical-surgical nursing

Revise common medical and surgical conditions, nursing interventions, monitoring, complications and patient education.

Pharmacology and medication safety

Study medication administration, dosage calculations, common drug groups, adverse reactions and patient safety principles.

Infection prevention and patient safety

Review hand hygiene, standard precautions, infection control, safe handling of clinical equipment and prevention of avoidable harm.

Emergency care

Revise initial assessment, recognition of deterioration, emergency response and basic life support concepts relevant to your professional role.

These are general nursing revision areas, not a guaranteed or exhaustive DHA exam syllabus. Use the official assessment guide for the final list of topics and references.

5. How can you prepare for the DHA nursing exam?

You do not need to study every nursing textbook from beginning to end. A structured plan can help you revise efficiently.

Useful tip: Avoid relying entirely on question banks that claim to contain the exact exam questions. Prioritise nursing knowledge, official guidance and reliable practice materials.

6. How much does the DHA nursing exam cost?

The total cost depends on the services required for your application. Exam fees are only one possible part of the overall expense.

You may need to budget for:

• Primary-source verification of documents.
• The applicable computer-based or other assessment.
• DHA application and registration services.
• Document translation, where required.
• Additional verification or supporting documents, if requested.

Fees can change, and not every applicant requires the same services. Confirm the current charges on the official portals before making payments.

Use the DHA professional licensing services and the official assessment instructions to identify the charges relevant to your application.

7. How do you book the exam?

Do not book an assessment before confirming which assessment applies to your application.

The general process is as follows:

1. Access the official DHA Sheryan portal.
2. Complete the applicable eligibility assessment and follow the instructions provided.
3. Arrange the required document verification.
4. Check whether a computer-based assessment is required for your nursing title.
5. Follow the official instructions to schedule the applicable assessment through the designated provider.
6. Keep your application reference and identification details consistent across the process.

DHA states that document verification and a required CBT can be completed in parallel in the applicable registration process. Follow the current instructions displayed for your application.

Official portal: DHA professional licensing services.

8. What happens after you pass?

Passing the required assessment is an important milestone, but you may still have additional steps to complete.

The DHA process can include:

• Completion of the required document verification.
• Review of your licensing application.
• Completion of any additional assessment required.
• Issuance of DHA registration if your application is approved.
• Activation of the professional licence by the hiring healthcare facility, where applicable.

DHA registration confirms that you meet the relevant requirements for the applied position, but it is not the same as an active licence to practise. The hiring facility must complete the required activation step.

You can read the official process on the DHA licensing portal.

9. What if you fail the exam?

Failing an assessment does not mean you should immediately give up on your plans. Review your result, identify the areas that need improvement and check the official rules before applying again.

DHA’s published guidance states that candidates are generally limited to three attempts for a particular position across the relevant UAE authorities. The applicable rules should be checked for your circumstances before another attempt.

Before reapplying:

• Review the subjects you found difficult.
• Strengthen your understanding of clinical concepts.
• Practise questions relevant to your nursing category.
• Check the current retake and booking rules.
• Confirm the applicable fee before scheduling another assessment.

Read the official DHA FAQs for assessment and application guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is the DHA nursing exam compulsory for every nurse?

No. The applicable assessment depends on your professional title, qualifications and any recognised exemption. Check your eligibility and the requirements for your application.

Can I take the DHA nursing exam from India?

Applicable computer-based tests are conducted through Prometric, which operates testing centres internationally. Check the official booking system for available locations, dates and identification requirements.

How should I prepare for the exam?

Start with the official assessment guidance, revise core nursing subjects and practise questions relevant to your professional category. Avoid depending only on memorised question banks.

Does passing the DHA exam guarantee a job in Dubai?

No. Passing a required assessment is part of the licensing process. You must still meet the remaining licensing requirements and secure suitable employment.

Where can I check the official syllabus and fees?

Start with the DHA professional licensing portal and the official assessment guidance linked from it. The requirements and charges depend on the nursing title and application.

Official references

• DHA Professional Licensing Services
• DHA Official FAQs
• Unified Healthcare Professionals Qualification Requirements
• MOHAP Health Professional Evaluation

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and exam preparation guidance only. Eligibility, assessment formats, fees and licensing policies may change. Always confirm the latest requirements through the official DHA portal before booking an assessment or paying fees.